Information literacy and social networking sites: challenges and stakes regarding teenagers’ uses

Abstract

Research has shown that information seeking can act as a motivation to use SNS. In this paper, we identify patterns of information uses of SNS among teenagers specifically.There is evidence to suggest that teenagers use SNS for information purposes both informally outside of the school environment and also as part of their academic studies. We explore three important implications of this phenomemon in terms of students’ information literacy: firstly, the evaluation and validation of information obtained via SNS; secondly, the significance of these practices for collaboration and other 21^st century skills; and finally, the porosity of formal and informal learning contexts. We conclude by reflecting on the ways in which current IL models and teaching practices need to adapt to accommodation teenagers’ uses of SNS.